Living Forgiveness

:It is so easy to hold grudges.  The feeling of superiority that accompanies the victim attitude is addicting.  He offended me, she hurt me, they wronged me, the list goes on and on. This is one of the heaviest burdens we can put on ourselves and on others.  Nothing weighs down the human heart and spirit more than being unforgiving.

You may feel justified in your accusations, they did "this and this" so I have a right to judge them and to not forgive them because they don't deserve it! Look inside when you say or think these feelings. Do you feel truly justified? Do you really have the right to not forgive someone else?

In the Bible, Christ tells his disciples to "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.....Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." Luke 6:27-28, 37.

There is so much in this short statement, however, it basically comes down to love, just love. Love everyone, don't judge or condemn them, just accept them as they are and love.  Forgiveness is the beginning stages of love and acceptance, and when you have forgiven someone of an offense either real or perceived, you will feel love grow within you.

Forgiveness is not for the healing of another. It is not for their sake we are told to forgive others, we are to forgive others for our own sake, for our own peace and for our own journey. Forgive the past, it is gone in a heartbeat. Live in the now, live in the moment of new, look forward to the brighter future of two seconds from now. Unburden your heart from the heavy weight of grudges and judgement, it doesn't solve any problems and doesn't create friendship and love.

After you have found the peace of forgiving others and forgiving the past, then you can focus on forgiving yourself. We are our own worst critics and forgiving ourselves of mistakes, shortcomings or anything else negative, is a huge part of the journey of life. Love yourself, don't judge yourself harshly, be supportive, and believe in yourself. You are not a mistake and you are not a failure, you are perfect just the way you are.

Also, believe in the Lord's forgiveness, it is there for you long before you even ask for it. He believes in you, loves you and knows of your infinite capabilities. Allow Him to give that to you in your life's journey.

Starting this very moment, give forgiveness, accept forgiveness, and allow the Lord to show His forgiveness in your life every day. You will find healing in your heart and peace in your life and a love that is beyond measure, for yourself and for others.